Did cars have electric windows in the 1970s?
Electric windows existed in the 1970s, but not on every car—power windows were common on many mid-range and luxury models while base trims often used manual cranks.
In the 1970s, automakers gradually shifted from manual window cranks to electric motors, a transition driven by convenience, safety considerations, and evolving interior design. Availability varied by price tier, model, and region, meaning some vehicles offered power windows as standard or optional equipment, while others continued with manual operation.
To understand how this played out, this article traces the adoption timeline, regional differences, and what it meant for drivers of that era.
A timeline of electric window adoption
Power window adoption varied by market and by model, with a gradual shift from manual to electric controls throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Early adopters and mid-century traction
- Power windows began appearing on luxury and higher-trim models in the mid-20th century, signaling the feature’s premium status in the era before widespread standardization.
- By the 1960s, several brands offered power windows on selected models or trims, signaling the path toward broader adoption.
- In the 1970s, availability expanded across more brands and markets, though base models often still used manual cranks.
Even with growth in availability, power windows were not yet a universal standard across all vehicles, remaining a differentiator among trims and brands.
Regional and market differences
Where a car was sold and its price tier largely shaped whether it had electric windows in the 1970s.
Regional patterns
- United States and Canada: Power windows were common on mid-range and luxury cars during the 1970s; manual windows persisted on many entry-level models.
- Europe: Adoption varied by country and manufacturer; many prestige brands offered power windows by the late 1970s, with some mass-market models including the feature as an option or standard on certain trims.
- Japan and other Asia-Pacific markets: Similar progression, with power windows appearing on more models toward the end of the decade, though cost-sensitive trims sometimes retained manual windows.
In sum, regional differences reflect product strategy, regulations, and consumer expectations of the era.
Summary
The transition to power windows in the 1970s was gradual and uneven. While many mid-range and luxury cars offered electric windows, especially as options or on higher trims, manual windows remained common on base models across many brands and markets. By the end of the decade and into the 1980s, power windows became a widespread feature rather than a rarity.
